MHVI Owners Manual . Lifestyle Management . Making Exercise a Part of Your Life

Here's a fact you've probably heard: a consistent, moderate exercise program can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. But did you also know that the lack of exercise can be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease? Recent studies have shown that lack of exercise can be nearly as risky as cigarette smoking when it comes to your cardiovascular health.

If you already have some type of cardio-vascular disease, your doctor will most likely recommend a sensible exercise program as one of the strategies that will help you recover more quickly and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

In this section, we will highlight the benefits of a regular exercise program, the types of exercises that are beneficial, and some tips on getting started. If you've never exercised before, or it's been a long time since you thought about it, talk with your doctor. In fact, it is very important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. He or she can provide information on the best exercise program for you, or help you find a monitored exercise program that is individually designed for you.

In a cardiac rehab program, specially trained exercise physiologists will work with you under your doctor's supervision to develop a program based on your condition and your exercise capacity. You will be monitored while you exercise to make sure you are progressing and improving and not overexerting.

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